Microsoft Seeks Patent On Brain-Based Development

theodp writes "With its just-published patent application for Developing Software Components Based on Brain Lateralization, Microsoft provides yet another example of just how broken the patent system is. Microsoft argues that its 'invention' of having a Program Manager act as an arbitrator/communicator between a group of right-brained software users and left-brained software developers mimics 'the way that the brain communicates between its two distinct hemispheres.' One of the 'inventors' is Ray Ozzie's Technical Strategist. If granted, the patent could be used to exclude others from making, using, or selling the 'invention' for 17 years."

Comments

BOFH

[AnotherBrian]

So they just patented the concept of a manager. I really hope Microsoft enforces this one.

You say that as if it's a bad thing

[JonTurner]

If granted, the patent could be used to exclude others from making, using, or selling the 'invention' for 17 years

Not sure I understand your point of view on this one. I consider any legal device that prohibits selling software like Microsoft's to be worthy of praise.

Re:You say that as if it's a bad thing

[AsmCoder8088]

...Might as well patent "bi pedal motion", sue everyone in the world and get it over with.

Except that would only affect people with two legs, not everyone.

Maybe...

[MrKaos]

The left brain doesn't know what the right brain is doing at Microsoft.

How telling, and how sad

[Eternal Vigilance]

How sad that Microsoft considers metric-driven software development that connects users and developers a new invention. :-(

"At Microsoft, these two halves of the brain come together in the colon."

Wrong title

[gmuslera]

Microsoft should seek patent on brain-damaged development. At least with that one they will have the monopoly on prior art.

Two degrees of separation...

[fahrbot-bot]

invention ... mimics 'the way that the brain communicates between its two distinct hemispheres'

Microsoft can pry my Corpus Callosum from my cold, dead brain. I think either God can claim or Darwin can demonstrate some sort of prior art here. Just need to schedule a court appearance for one of them...

Re:The patent office - retarding development?

[something_wicked_thi]

> Cheap +5 Insightful: just say "All Americans suck because {insert generalization here}"

All Americans suck because all generalizations are false.

Prior Art.

[mikelieman]

Tom Smykowski: Well-well look. I already told you: I deal with the god damn customers so the engineers don't have to. I have people skills; I am good at dealing with people. Can't you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?